Architectural Advisory

In 2008 we have expanded our Architectural Advisory Service.

Having run my own practise for ten years and having completed ‘000’s of inspections for Archicentre over a long period of time I suppose I have some knowledge when buying the more expensive houses about the do’s and the don’ts – about what works and what doesn’t. It was a big decision to join James Buyer Advocates last year but Mal is a persistent kind of guy and I can really see the need for buyers (people) to get some advice before they buy a home, before they sell or renovate a home and even before they commit to an architect and/or builder.

Since starting at James Buyer Advocates work has been one of great interest and variance. Our clients buy properties in the 7 councils below and as we all know (or at least should if we are planning to renovate) each and every council has different regulations and overlays, different setbacks and rules. So one week you are looking at your dream home with some plans but it goes for too much and then next week another home three streets away and a very different set of regulations. It can be frustrating but more importantly it can be very expensive if you buy the wrong house and I don’t just mean from a financial point of view. Emotional outcomes in homes are just as if not more important when buying. Light, Space and Form that you like lead to a greater enjoyment in your home for you and your spouse and family. How much is it worth. Happy Wife – Happy Life.

Download example renovation plan

Overcapitalising – is less of a problem with the better the position and land size but it is a question I get asked all the time. Floor plan and orientation are such important factors that many times we advise a no on a property because even though it maybe a $100,000 and more cheaper it will in the medium to long term be false economy. In most houses the rule is land appreciate and building depreciate and the more you move away from good architectural principles (to your taste of course) the more likely you are to lose on the changeover in the future and unless you’re a martian the more likley you are to not enjoy the home as much as you could.

Fees, Speed and Work Output

Also since joining James Buyer Advocate a whole new regime of information communication has been placed onto me as an architect. We outline what we can do. What we will cost and When we will complete it buy. No misunderstanding ongoing exploding costs and no further obligation unless you wish it to be. My main role is assessing and buying properties and my secondary role is assisting in architectural decision before and after purchase and recently on a very large job my role after purchase was to co-ordinate architectural selection.

Option 1. Prior to deciding to buy, sell or renovate I can provide drawings and home value report (before and after) about any home for non clients for a fixed fee of $5000+GST under $2m and $7000+GST over $2m. We guarantee 7 working day turnaround or its no charge. Ther is no obligation to continue with us.

Option 2. To buy properties our company charges between 1 and 2% + GST of purchase price and my architectural advice is included in the fee. This usually takes between 1 week (you already have a home selected) and 6 months. The average is around 4 months or 120 days.

Option 3. Post purchase work eg after we have bought the home you wanted is selection of builder on the smaller jobs and architect/builder on the larger jobs. All work is carried out by myself or Mal at $250 per hour plus GST.